Rwanda, American Tourist and What We Learn from Digital Diplomacy



Cartoon by Ogon
Recently I saw an amusing cartoon in papers visualizing a twitter communication between the US President Donald trump and President Yoweri K Museveni. The cartoon creates a situation where the two leaders appear to be exchanging the would be diplomatic communication in public space.



President Trump using his twitter called upon his Uganda counterpart to expedite the arrest of thugs who had kidnapped an American tourist from Queen Elizabeth National Game Park. At least according to the cartoon, president Museveni appeared be reading Matthew 7:3 why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? interesting!



For the past decade, digital diplomacy which has been defined the growing use of social media platforms by a country, or say an actor, in order to achieve foreign policy goals and proactively manage its image and reputation (as Manor and Segev, 2015) has been developing so fast with a lot of benefits and challenges.



Several leaders have since adapted digital modes of communication and can post whatever communication they are sending to whom it may concern. However, at times we have seen causing arguments and attracting public attention more so when the shared information involves ‘sensitive interaction’ with other actors within the international system.



Just a few weeks ago we witnessed a ‘twitter battle’ between Rwandan and Ugandan officials raising from the then escalated disputes between the two countries. They were accusations and counter accusation again in public space.



Government shouldn’t stop to using digital platforms (digital diplomacy). Not at all, the 21st century demands so and it may be difficult if not impossible but it high time Foreign Affairs Ministry think of a policy on how to manage the use of this tool for the betterment while reimagining the new environment in which diplomacy is practiced. 


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